About
Sarcococca confusa, sweet box, is a bushy, compact evergreen shrub to 2 m with glossy, rich-green, wavy, ovate leaves 3�5 cm long. In winter it produces inconspicuous but very sweetly scented, creamy-white flowers, followed by glossy, black berries. One of the most rewarding and fragrant of all evergreen shrubs for winter interest in a shaded or sunny position.
About the genus
Sarcococca, the sweet boxes, are compact, sometimes suckering, evergreen shrubs with simple, leathery leaves and tiny, fragrant, creamy-white flowers in winter or spring, followed by red, purple or black berries. Excellent plants for winter fragrance in a range of garden positions.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull shade, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectWest-facing, East-facing, North-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread1-1.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
Native toChina
FragranceFlower
ToxicityFruit are ornamental - not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling Pets: Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moderately fertile, moist but well-drained, humus-rich soil in shade. Full sun may be tolerated when planted in damp soil. Also tolerant of atmospheric pollution, dry shade and neglect. Find out more by watching Nick Turrell giving you 3 Good reasons to grow sweet box
PruningPruning group 8
PropagationPropagate by semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer or propagate by seed sown in containers outdoors in autumn or spring
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus